Telescopic Linear Actuator Drive Screw for Quiet Low-Vibration Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telescopic linear actuators used in retractable canopy systems generate excessive noise and vibration due to the amplification of motor noise as the load and length of the canopies increase, with existing noise-dampening methods being ineffective due to spatial restrictions and interference with internal parts.
Innovation Solution
A rotational drive mechanism with a low-current electric motor, planetary gearbox, and a drive screw with a reduced thread count and increased thread pitch, which reduces noise and vibration while maintaining torque, comprising a DC motor running at lower speeds and a gearbox with a stepped-up gear ratio to ensure efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional drive mechanisms are used in telescopic linear actuators, then torque and operational efficiency are maintained, but excessive noise and vibration are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the drive mechanism by using a belt-driven system instead of traditional direct-drive or gear mechanisms. The belt tension, material composition, and routing configuration are optimized to reduce vibration and noise while maintaining the required torque transmission capability through the pulley system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a belt as an intermediary element between the motor and the drive screw. This belt acts as a mediator that transmits power while isolating and dampening vibrations and noises, preventing them from propagating through the tubular housing and amplifying the harmful factors without sacrificing torque delivery.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If noise-dampening materials are added around the motor, then noise reduction is achieved, but spatial restrictions and interference with internal parts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the noise-generating elements (belt, pulleys) from the confined internal space around the motor and positions them in the drive mechanism pathway. This removes the need for noise-dampening materials in the motor housing, eliminating spatial conflicts while still achieving noise reduction through the belt-driven isolation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical gear or direct-drive system with a belt-driven system. This substitution inherently provides noise dampening through the flexible belt material and tensioning mechanism, eliminating the need for additional noise-dampening materials and simplifying the spatial arrangement within the actuator.
3Area of stationary object
If the tubular housing length is increased to accommodate longer canopies, then coverage area is improved, but noise amplification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The belt acts as a continuous intermediary along the length of the actuator, providing consistent vibration isolation and noise dampening throughout the entire housing. This distributed damping approach prevents noise amplification even as the housing length increases to accommodate larger canopy coverage areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the noise transmission characteristics of the system by introducing the flexible belt and optimized pulley system, which alter the way vibrations propagate through the housing. This parameter change in the drive mechanism's mechanical properties reduces the amplification effect that would otherwise occur in longer tubular housings.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves a significant reduction in noise levels to 50 decibels, maintaining torque and operational efficiency, making the actuator suitable for quiet operation in applications like boat retractable shade systems without increasing manufacturing or installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gearbox directly connected to the motor and made to provide a stepped-up gear ratio
Implementation Method 2
a drive screw member operatively connected to the gearbox and made to extend longitudinally through the tubular housing with a specially formed threaded surface
Data Source
AI summary
An improved telescopic linear actuator is disclosed comprising a rotational drive mechanism specially adapted and assembled within a tubular housing to reduce noise and vibration of the actuator during its operation. The rotational drive mechanism includes an electric motor adapted for low current operation, a gearbox containing a planetary gear axially connected to the motor with a stepped-up gear ratio, and a drive screw member operatively connected to the gearbox to extend longitudinally through the tubular housing with a specially configured threaded surface formed along the screw member having a reduced thread count and associated increased thread pitch to operatively engage and drive a movable piston member through the tubular housing with a substantially silent glide being exhibited.